faqs

Efanz, Inc. is the owner of the network and will provide and support the service. Efanz is a national internet service provider based in Omaha Nebraska. Efanz is locally owned and has been providing Internet access services for over 12 years.

Efanz, Inc. has a state of the art system typically used in large cities such as Minneapolis and Las Vegas. It is truly the future of the internet offering mobile access both indoors and outdoors, anywhere within the defined area. Consider how cellular technology changed the telephone, this technology is doing the same for internet access. It not a typical wireless service. This network uses small transmitters that are placed on power poles around the city. These antennas connect to each other and then broadcast a blanket of internet access throughout the city. It is a broadcasted signal rather than a point-to-point connection. This unique network design offers more reliability and mobility than traditional wireless.

Yes, the service is as reliable as electricity or other traditional utilities. The network is designed with a mesh structure where the signal is broadcasted across several antennas that are carefully placed. Should one antenna have an outage, the network is self-healing, and will simply “hop” to the next antenna in order to continue the loop. The entire network is monitored 24 hours per day and should there be an outage that requires field work, crews are notified immediately. Also, because the signal is broadcasted and not a point-to-point like traditional wireless, line of site is not a requirement and weather and trees are not typically issues.

Unlike a coffee shop, motel, or airport, the Tabor WiFi Network is a private network. It is designed to only allow approved subscribers access. In addition, all transmissions between your computer to the network antennas are encrypted, making it extremely difficult for someone to intercept your activity. Also, the network is protected with the most advanced fire wall solutions to secure the integrity of the entire routing system.

Tabor WiFi currently offers a 1.5Mbps symmetrical (up and down) connection, and a 3Mbps down 1.5Mbps up. And we mean it! How it compares:

• Dial-up - More than 25 times faster, no phone line needed
• Satellite - Faster, more reliable, lower cost and not unsightly dish
• DSL - Better performance and expandability
• Point-to-Point - More reliable, more speed potential, no dish

When directly connecting to the network, the Tabor WiFi signal will be strongest when a user is outdoors. When indoors it is best to connect using a WiFi Bridge which is available through Tabor WiFi service at a discounted price, or for a monthly fee. Should your computer not already have wireless capabilities, hardware is available at retail locations that is easy to install and minimal in cost.

Most computers purchased in the last 4 years will be more than adequate for utilizing the service. With that said, your computer should meet the minimum requirements below:

• PC: Pentium II machine running Windows 2000 or newer, Windows XP or Vista
• MAC: G4 or greater running Mac OS X v10.2 or newer
  Installed Network or Wireless adapter

A WiFi bridge is a piece of equipment that can allow all of your home devices to use Tabor WiFi. A WiFi device communicates wirelessly with the Tabor WiFi equipment installed within the area and serves a function similar to a DSL or cable modem. Like a DSL or cable modem, it requires power and has an Ethernet connection to which you can attach a PC, laptop or personal wireless router. In short, a WiFi modem allows a user to convert the Tabor WiFi wireless signal into a wired signal. What makes a WiFi modem distinct from a conventional WiFi client is the WiFi modem transmit power has the capability of reaching the network equipment installed outdoors. In addition, the WiFi modem has optimized software features for use with an outdoor network.

The Tabor WiFi network signal will generally be stronger outdoors because the WiFi nodes are strategically placed outdoors throughout designated network. The radio waves they send out loose some strength going through walls or other barriers such as trees. A WiFi bridge acts as a larger antenna, with a stronger transmitter, to aide in accessing the Tabor WiFi network.

Many routine applications of the Internet now require a faster connection. In order to take advantage of all the web has to offer, it has become a necessary to subscribe to a broadband service. Tabor WiFi more than meets these requirements.

Access points placed throughout the area to give you the freedom to move around Tabor and connect to the network whenever and wherever you choose. In addition to laptop computers, many hand-held portable devices are now available with WiFi capability.

First, Tabor WiFi is a private, secure network. You must be a subscriber to gain access. Other WiFi hot spots have open access and work within a very limited range. As soon as you move outside of the coverage area of a hot spot, you lose the connection. The Tabor WiFi network is designed to work throughout Tabor.

Yes! The Tabor WiFi Network is designed to give you access both indoors and out. Optimal indoor performance is achieved through the use of a WiFi bridge provided by Tabor WiFi service. This device creates a secure connection to the network, and provides a private connection to all your devices. Both wired and wireless!

The Tabor WiFi is an "always on" connection, although it will periodically ask you to log in, as a security measure.

Yes. Email accounts are offered through Tabor WiFi. Subscriptions allow for up to 5 accounts.

No, the Tabor WiFi service is provided via a wireless connection and wireless bridge that we provide as part of your subscription.

YES!

Yes! The WiFi bridge device has an Ethernet port which allows an external router to connect multiple devices to your private network. However, keep in mind that all devices connected to the network are sharing your bandwidth.

Please read our Acceptable use policy.

The Tabor WiFi network is compatible with most of today’s operating systems. Minimum Operating Requirements are Windows 2000 or greater for PC users and OS 9 or greater for Macintosh users.

1. Desktop computers must be equipped with an Ethernet port, Network Interface Card (NIC), a piece of hardware designed to allow communication over a network. Today, most newer computers come standard with a NIC built into the motherboard, thus eliminating the need to purchase additional hardware. An Ethernet port looks like a bigger version of a phone jack. The WiFi bridge available through Tabor, connects to the Ethernet via the cable provided.
2. Laptop computers will need either an external or internal 802.11b/g compatible wireless network card, which comes standard with most laptop computers purchased within the last few years. Laptops can also connect via an Ethernet port and a WiFi bridge.

*Tabor WiFi supports both 802.11b and 802.11g technologies; however, Tabor WiFi is not compatible with 802.11a for access.

If you are trying to connect directly to our network, without using the WiFi bridge, your computer or other device must have an 802.11b/g (WiFi) card inside, or it must be connected to an external card. Should your computer not already have wireless capabilities, hardware is available at retail locations that is easy to install and minimal in cost.

If you are a user and connected to your private network, you are now connected to the internet, no login or password required.

If you want to connect directly to the network then you must make sure that you have added the computer, PDA, or iPod to your mobility equipment list. If you have not added the device you wish to connect within your "Equipment" you must do so by connecting to https://efanz.powercode.com.

Before you begin setting up your WiFi connection, consider the placement of your wireless bridge. It’s best to place the bridge on a main or upper floor, preferably near an exterior wall or window. Just like cell phone or radio reception, which can improve or weaken when devices are repositioned, the Tabor WiFi signal strength may be enhanced by adjusting the location of your WiFi bridge.

It's difficult to say without doing a formal site survey. Please keep in mind that 802.11b/g is a Line-Of-Sight (LOS) technology. It works best when used in environments where each site has a clear view of the other, with no obstructions. If you don't have a clear LOS, your results will be dependent on what is between you and the signal receptor.

Rule of thumb is, glass will reduce the signal by about a third ('metalized' glass, or glass with metal wire mesh can greatly reduce signal strength). Sheetrock, drywall or wooden walls will drop the signal about 60% to 70% dB per wall. Brick, metal or stone walls will result in higher losses. In some areas of the U.S., many houses are constructed of stucco walls that contain metal wire mesh. This presents a real challenge for high-frequency radio waves and should be taken into consideration when placing your bridge. Trees and foliage can also interfere with these frequencies.

Keep in mind placement is everything. If you place it in the middle of the house, you may find devices will not get a good signal. The most important factor in WiFi is location. Distance zaps wireless strength, and so do many construction materials. Keep your bridge away from solid walls and doors, as well as any metal objects or computer equipment. Put them near windows or hollow walls instead.

Thus Tabor WiFi recommends the use of a WiFi bridge to optimize connectivity indoors.

If you do forget your password, give us a call at 866.504.1477 between 6am and 10pm (Central Standard Time), and we can assist you.

Yes, our system uses standards based devices such as 802.11b/g wireless, and Ethernet connectivity. As long as your computer has either an Ethernet card/port or 802.11b/g wireless card, it will be able to connect to our system.

The access points deployed are designed to provide service in some cases up to a 400-yard radius. Trees and buildings can affect signal quality.

Your computer is connected directly to the Internet, it is quite likely that it will be come in contact with viruses and spy-ware. While no service provider can stop this, you can take measures to help protect yourself. Setting up a router/fire wall, and keeping up-to-date anti-virus software and spy-ware removal software will help lessen the chances of you running into these problems and make your browsing experience that much better.

Nearly all connections will work on our system without experiencing any difficulties. Some of these services may require static IP addresses. Currently Tabor WiFi does not support VoIP service. We are aware of customers who do use VoIP on the network, however we do not support it. If you choose to try VoIP service on the network we currently do not have set standards in place or help desk support in place.

We do not allow servers of any type to be run on our network.